A catheter system

Abstract

A catheter system that can include a catheter adapter and a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter. The catheter system can include a needle assembly that can include a plug, an outer housing, and a guide needle. The outer surface of the plug can include a plurality of grooves that can be in fluid communication with the guide needle and are configured to receive a blood flashback. The plurality of grooves can include a first groove having a first surface area to volume ratio and a second groove having a second surface area to volume ratio. The first surface area to volume ratio can be less than the second surface area to volume ratio. The first groove can have a larger volume than the second groove. The outer housing can seal the tops of the first groove and the second groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the tops of the first groove and the second groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and particularly to a catheter system for flashback visualization at various blood pressures. Background Art

[0002] Intravenous catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, intravenous catheters can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solutions, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. Intravenous catheters can also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0003] Common types of intravenous catheters are peripheral IV catheters ("PIVC"), peripherally inserted central catheters ("PICC"), and midline catheters. An intravenous catheter can include an "over-the-needle" catheter that can be mounted on a needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip can be used to pierce the skin and vasculature of a patient. The intravenous catheter can be inserted into the vasculature after the vasculature has been pierced by the needle. The needle and the intravenous catheter are typically inserted through the skin into the patient's vasculature at a small angle, with the bevel of the needle facing upward and away from the patient's skin.

[0004] To verify the proper placement of the guide needle and / or the intravenous catheter within the vasculature, the user typically confirms the presence of a blood flashback that can be visible to the user. Once the placement of the guide needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, the user can temporarily occlude the flow within the vasculature and withdraw the guide needle, leaving the intravenous catheter in place for future blood draws and / or fluid infusions.

[0005] In some cases, the guide needle can include a notch disposed toward the distal end of the guide needle, and in response to the distal tip of the guide needle being positioned within the vasculature, blood can flow proximally through the needle lumen, exit the needle lumen through the notch, and then travel proximally between the outer surface of the guide needle and the inner surface of the intravenous catheter. Thus, in the case where the intravenous catheter is at least partially transparent, the user can visualize a small amount of primary blood flashback within the catheter lumen. In some cases, in addition to the primary blood flashback, the user can also visualize a small amount of secondary blood flashback within the chamber proximate to the intravenous catheter, thereby confirming the placement of the intravenous catheter within the vasculature.

[0006] For example, the presence of vasculature entry markers for primary and / or secondary blood flashback can facilitate the successful placement of an intravenous catheter. However, due to variations in blood pressure, it may affect the visualization of blood flashback to the user. In static vein and tourniquet situations, even in normal patients, blood pressure can vary significantly differently. The chamber may not provide a distinct flashback in difficult vein insertion situations and / or may not provide a persistent signal in hypertensive situations.

[0007] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in environments such as those described above. Instead, this background is provided only to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which certain embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure generally relates to a catheter device, system, and method for flashback visualization at various blood pressures. In certain embodiments, a catheter system can include a catheter assembly, and the catheter assembly can include a catheter adapter. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter can include a lumen extending through the catheter adapter. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly can include a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the catheter system can include a needle assembly coupled to the catheter assembly. In certain embodiments, the needle assembly can include a plug and an outer housing. In certain embodiments, the needle assembly can include a guide needle, and the guide needle can include a proximal end and a sharp distal tip. In certain embodiments, the plug can be integrally formed as a single unit. In certain embodiments, the plug can be press-fit within the outer housing.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle can be fixed within the plug, and the plug can be a needle hub. In other embodiments, the plug can include a Luer adapter, and the Luer adapter can be coupled to the proximal end of the outer housing. In certain embodiments, the Luer adapter can include a Luer lock or a Luer slip connector. In certain embodiments, the Luer adapter can include a male Luer connector or a female Luer connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug may include a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves may be configured to receive blood flashback. In some embodiments, the grooves may include a first groove and a second groove. In some embodiments, the first groove may have a first surface area to volume ratio, and the second groove may have a second surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the second surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first groove may have a larger volume than the second groove. In some embodiments, the depth of the first groove may be greater than the depth of the second groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the grooves on the outer surface of the plug may accommodate varying blood pressures and guide needles or catheters of various specifications. In some embodiments, the first groove may be adjusted for a blood pressure or specification different from that of the second groove. In some embodiments, for a tourniquet blood pressure, the first groove having a larger volume than the second groove can provide a persistent indication of the advancement of the guide needle within the vein. In some embodiments, for venous pressure, although the flow rate is lower in the second groove compared to the first groove, the second groove may be shallower and have a higher surface area to volume ratio, and thus, the second groove may provide an obvious blood movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first groove can be vented, and the proximal end of the second groove can be vented. In some embodiments, the first groove and the second groove may be disposed on the top of the plug, which may contribute to visibility for the user. In some embodiments, the first groove and the second groove may be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the plug.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug may include a cavity. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle may be disposed within the cavity. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the first groove and the second groove may be close to the cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the grooves may include one or more of the following: the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, and the fifth groove (which may be collectively referred to as "grooves" in this disclosure). In some embodiments, the outer housing may seal the top of the underlying grooves to prevent blood from flowing out of the top of the grooves.

[0016] In some embodiments, the third groove may have a third surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the third surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first groove has a larger volume than the third groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second slot and the third slot may be similar or identical. In some embodiments, the third surface area to volume ratio may be equal to the second surface area to volume ratio and / or the volume of the third slot may be equal to the volume of the second slot. In some embodiments, the second slot and the third slot may be disposed on opposite sides of the first slot and / or may be symmetric about the first slot. In some embodiments, despite the gravitational deviation caused by the user's gripping technique, the symmetric pattern of the second slot and the third slot with respect to the first slot may facilitate visualization of blood flashback.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fourth slot may have a fourth surface area to volume ratio and / or the fifth slot may have a fifth surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio may be less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio and / or the fifth surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, the first slot has a larger volume than the fourth slot and the fifth slot. In some embodiments, the fourth slot and the fifth slot may be disposed on opposite sides of the first slot and are disposed outwardly from the second slot and the third slot. In some embodiments, the fourth slot and the fifth slot may be disposed on opposite sides of the first slot and / or may be symmetric about the first slot. In some embodiments, despite the gravitational deviation caused by the user's gripping technique, the symmetric pattern of the fourth slot and the fifth slot may facilitate visualization of blood flashback.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second slot, the third slot, the fourth slot, or the fifth slot may include one or more cavities that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug and are spaced along the length of one or more of the second slot, the third slot, the fourth slot, and the fifth slot.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more of the slots may be spaced by capillary effect gaps that can rapidly draw blood flashback. In some embodiments, the capillary effect gaps of the plug and / or one or more other portions may be composed of a hydrophilic material. In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot and / or the first slot and the third slot may be spaced by capillary effect gaps. In some embodiments, the volume of the capillary effect gaps may be less than one or more of: the first slot, the second slot, the third slot, the fourth slot, and the fifth slot. In some embodiments, the capillary effect gaps may be filled with blood flashback before one or more of: the first slot, the second slot, the third slot, the fourth slot, and the fifth slot.

[0021] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so claimed. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1A is a perspective top view of an exemplary catheter system in an insertion configuration ready to be inserted into a patient according to certain embodiments;

[0024] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system in the insertion configuration according to certain embodiments;

[0025] Figure 1C is an exploded view of the catheter system according to certain embodiments;

[0026] Figure 1D is a perspective top view of an exemplary plug according to certain embodiments;

[0027] Figure 1E is another cross-sectional view of an exemplary needle assembly of the catheter system according to certain embodiments;

[0028] Figure 1F is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system according to certain embodiments along Figure 1A line 1F-1F;

[0029] Figure 1G is a perspective top view of a plug according to certain embodiments;

[0030] Figure 1H is a perspective bottom view of a part of the plug according to certain embodiments;

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective top view of a catheter system in an insertion configuration ready to be inserted into a patient according to certain embodiments, showing an exemplary another plug;

[0032] Figure 2B is a top view of the another plug according to certain embodiments;

[0033] Figure 2C is an enlarged top view of the another plug according to certain embodiments;

[0034] Figure 2D A cross-sectional view of another exemplary needle assembly for a catheter system according to certain embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 2E A cross-sectional view of the catheter system according to certain embodiments along Figure 2A line 2E-2E. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Now referring to Figure 1A - 1C , in certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter assembly 12, and the catheter assembly 12 may include a catheter adapter 14. In certain embodiments, the catheter adapter 14 may include a distal end 16, a proximal end 18, and a lumen 20 extending through the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18. In certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter 21 that extends distally from the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 14.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a peripheral intravenous catheter system, such as, for example, the BD NEXIVA TM Closed IV (intravenous) Catheter System, the BD CATHENA TM Catheter System, the BD VENFLON TM Pro Safely Shielded IV (safely shielded intravenous) Catheter System, the BD NEOFLON TM IV Cannula System, the BD INSYTE TM AUTOGUARD TM BC Shielded (shielded) IV Catheter System, or another suitable peripheral intravenous catheter system. In certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include an integrated catheter system or a non-integrated catheter system with an integrated extension tube. In certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) system or a midline catheter system.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needle assembly 22 coupled to the catheter assembly 12. In certain embodiments, the needle assembly 22 may include a plug 24 and an outer housing 26. In certain embodiments, the needle assembly 22 may include a guide needle 28, and the guide needle 28 may include a proximal end 30 and a sharp distal tip 32. In certain embodiments, the plug 24 may be integrally formed as a single unit. In certain embodiments, the plug 24 may be press-fitted within the outer housing 26. In certain embodiments, the proximal end 30 of the guide needle 28 may be fixed within the plug 24, and the plug 24 may be a needle hub.

[0039] In other embodiments, the plug 24 can include a Luer adapter that can be coupled to the proximal end of the outer housing, for example, as shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 901,631, filed on September 17, 2019, entitled "BLOOD COLLECTION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FACILITATING BLOOD FLASHBACK", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, the Luer adapter can include a Luer lock or a Luer slip connector. In certain embodiments, the Luer adapter can include a male Luer connector or a female Luer connector.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the plug 24 can include a plurality of grooves that can be configured to receive blood flashback. In certain embodiments, in response to the guide needle 28 being inserted into a patient's vein, blood flashback can travel from the sharp distal tip 32 through the proximal end 30 of the guide needle 28 and into the plug 24, where the blood flashback can enter the grooves. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the guide needle 28 can include a notch that can allow blood flashback to travel between the outer surface of the guide needle 28 and the inner surface of the catheter 21. In certain embodiments, the proximal end 30 of the guide needle 28 can include a notch or an opening.

[0041] Now referring Figure 1D - 1F , in certain embodiments, the plurality of grooves can include a first groove 34 and a second groove 36. In certain embodiments, the first groove 34 can have a first surface area to volume ratio, and the second groove 36 can have a second surface area to volume ratio. In certain embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio can be less than the second surface area to volume ratio. In certain embodiments, the first groove 34 can have a larger volume than the second groove 36. In certain embodiments, the depth 38 of the first groove 34 can be greater than the depth 40 of the second groove 36. In certain embodiments, the width 42 of the first groove 34 can be greater than the width 44 of the second groove 36. In certain embodiments, the width 44 of the second groove 36 can be greater than the depth 40 of the second groove 36. In certain embodiments, the width 42 of the first groove 34 can be approximately equal to the depth 38 of the first groove 34.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the sides of the first groove 34 can be formed by opposing walls. In certain embodiments, the width 42 of the first groove 34 can correspond to the distance between the opposing walls. In certain embodiments, the sides of the second groove 36 can be formed by other opposing walls. In certain embodiments, the opposing walls and the other opposing walls can contact the outer housing 26 to seal the flashback blood within the first groove 34 and the second groove 36.

[0043] In some embodiments, the width 44 of the second slot 36 may correspond to the distance between the other opposing walls. In some embodiments, one of the opposing walls may correspond to one of the other opposing walls, which may be shared between the first slot 34 and the second slot 36. In some embodiments, the depth 38 of the first slot 34 may correspond to the height of the opposing wall or the distance from the bottom of the first slot 34 to the inner surface of the outer housing 26. In some embodiments, the depth 40 of the second slot 36 may correspond to the height of the other opposing wall or the distance from the bottom of the second slot 36 to the inner surface of the outer housing 26.

[0044] In some embodiments, the slots (such as the first slot 34 and the second slot 36) on the outer surface of the plug 24 may accommodate varying blood pressures and the specifications of the guiding needle or catheter. In some embodiments, the first slot 34 may be adjusted to accommodate a blood pressure or specification different from that applicable to the second slot 36. In some embodiments, for tourniquet blood pressure, the first slot 34, which may have a larger volume than the second slot, may provide a persistent indication of the advancement of the guiding needle 28 within the vein. In some embodiments, for venous pressure, although the flow rate in the second slot 36 is lower compared to the first slot 34, the second slot may be shallower and have a higher surface area to volume ratio, and thus, the second slot may provide a distinct blood movement for blood flashback.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first slot 34 may assist in visualizing blood flashback under high blood pressure or large specifications (e.g., 18 - 20Ga). Hypotension may occur in difficult venous access (DVA) situations. In some embodiments, the second slot 36 may assist in visualizing blood flashback under low blood pressure or small specifications (e.g., 24 - 26Ga).

[0046] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first slot 34 may be vented, and the proximal end of the second slot 36 may be vented. In these embodiments, the plug 24 may include one or more vent holes 46, and each vent hole 46 may include microgrooves that may vent air while preventing blood from passing through. In some embodiments, the vent hole 46 may include a porous membrane that may vent air while preventing blood from passing through. In some embodiments, the vent hole 46 may be close to the first slot 34 and / or the second slot 36.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 1G - 1H, in some embodiments, the vent hole 46 may be provided on the bottom of the plug 24, which may contribute to better fluid containment. In some embodiments, flashback may flow proximally through the first groove 34 and the second groove 36, and then downward along one or more sides of the plug 24 to a position close to the vent hole 46. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the plug 24 may include a seal 50, and the seal 50 may include ribs and / or may extend from one side of the vent hole 46 to the other side.

[0048] Return reference Figure 1D - 1F , in some embodiments, the first groove 34 and the second groove 36 may be provided on the top of the plug 24, which may facilitate observation by the user when the catheter system 10 is in the inserted configuration and inserted into a patient. In some embodiments, the bevel of the sharp distal tip 32 may face upward or toward the top of the catheter system 10, as Figure 1A shown. In some embodiments, the first groove 34 and the second groove 36 may be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 48 of the plug 24, which may facilitate easy visualization. In other embodiments, one or more of the grooves may be curved or serpentine to increase the blood flashback time.

[0049] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug 24 may include a cavity 52. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle 28 may be disposed within the cavity 52. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the first groove 34 and the second groove 36 may be close to the cavity 52. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 may be deeper than the first groove 34 and / or the second groove 36. In some embodiments, blood traveling through the fluid passage of the catheter system 10 may be pushed from the cavity 52 to the outside of the plug 24, which may improve the visibility of the blood within the fluid passage to the user.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 2A - 2E , showing a plug 54 of the catheter system 10 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the plug 54 may be similar or identical to the plug 24 in terms of one or more of the included features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the plug 24 may include a plurality of grooves. In some embodiments, the grooves may include one or more of the following: a first groove 56, a second groove 58, a third groove 60, a fourth groove 62, and a fifth groove 64. In some embodiments, the first groove 56 may be similar or identical to the first groove 34 in terms of one or more of the included features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the second groove 58 and / or the third groove 60 may be similar or identical to the second groove 36 in terms of one or more of the included features and / or operations. In some embodiments, the outer housing 26 may seal the top of the underlying groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the top of the groove.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio of the first trough 56 can be less than the second surface area to volume ratio of the second trough 58 and / or the third surface area to volume ratio of the third trough 60. In some embodiments, the first trough 56 has a larger volume than the second trough 58 and / or the third trough 60. In some embodiments, the second trough 58 and the third trough 60 can be similar or identical.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second trough 58 and the third trough 60 can be disposed on opposite sides of the first trough 56 and / or can be symmetric about the first trough 56. More specifically, in some embodiments, the shape of the second trough 58 can be a mirror image of the shape of the third trough 60. In some embodiments, despite the gravitational deviation caused by the user's gripping technique, the symmetric pattern of the second trough 58 and the third trough 60 with respect to the first trough 56 can also contribute to the visualization of blood flashback.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first surface area to volume ratio can be less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio of the fourth trough 62 and / or the fifth surface area to volume ratio of the fifth trough 64. In some embodiments, the first trough 56 has a larger volume than the fourth trough 62 and the fifth trough 64. In some embodiments, the fourth trough 62 and the fifth trough 64 can be disposed on opposite sides of the first trough 56 and are disposed outwardly from the second trough 58 and the third trough 60. In some embodiments, the fourth trough 62 and the fifth trough 64 can be disposed on opposite sides of the first trough 56 and / or can be symmetric about the first trough 56. More specifically, in some embodiments, the shape of the fourth trough 62 can be a mirror image of the shape of the fifth trough 64. In some embodiments, despite the gravitational deviation caused by the user's gripping technique, the symmetric pattern of the fourth trough 62 and the fifth trough 64 can also contribute to the visualization of blood flashback.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second trough 58, the third trough 60, the fourth trough 62, or the fifth trough 64 can include one or more cavities 66 that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug 54 and are spaced along the length of one or more of the second trough 58, the third trough 60, the fourth trough 62, and the fifth trough 64. In some embodiments, the cavities 66 can assist the user in observing how far the blood flashback has traveled.

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of slots may be spaced apart by a capillary effect gap 68 that may rapidly draw blood back by capillary action. In some embodiments, the capillary effect gap 68 of the plug 54 and / or one or more other portions (such as slots) may be made of a hydrophilic material. In some embodiments, the first slot 56 and the second slot 58 and / or the first slot 56 and the third slot 60 may be spaced apart by the capillary effect gap 68. In some embodiments, the volume of the capillary effect gap 68 may be less than one or more of: the first slot 56, the second slot 58, the third slot 60, the fourth slot 62, and the fifth slot 64. In some embodiments, the capillary effect gap 68 may be filled with blood flashback before one or more of: the first slot 56, the second slot 58, the third slot 60, the fourth slot 62, and the fifth slot 64.

[0056] In some embodiments, each of the first slot 56, the second slot 58, the third slot 60, the fourth slot 62, and the fifth slot 64 may be vented, and the proximal end of the second slot 58 may be vented. In these embodiments, the plug 54 may include a vent hole 46. In some embodiments, the plug 54 may be made of a plastic material or another suitable material.

[0057] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other basic characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed below. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A catheter system, characterized in that, the catheter system comprises: a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly comprising: a catheter adapter, which includes a lumen extending through the catheter adapter; a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly coupled to the catheter assembly, the needle assembly comprising: a plug, wherein an outer surface of the plug includes a first groove having a first surface area to volume ratio and a second groove having a second surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first surface area to volume ratio is less than the second surface area to volume ratio, and wherein the first groove has a larger volume than the second groove; an outer housing, wherein the outer housing seals the top of the first groove and the top of the second groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the top of the first groove and the top of the second groove; and a guide needle, the guide needle including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is in fluid communication with the first groove and the second groove.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the depth of the first groove is greater than the depth of the second groove.

3. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the proximal end of the first groove is capable of being vented, and the proximal end of the second groove is capable of being vented.

4. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first groove and the second groove are provided on the top of the plug.

5. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first groove and the second groove are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the plug.

6. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the plug is integrally formed as a single unit, wherein the plug is press-fitted into the outer housing, and wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is fixed within the plug.

7. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the outer surface of the plug includes a cavity, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is disposed within the cavity, and wherein the distal end of the first groove and the distal end of the second groove are adjacent to the cavity.

8. The catheter system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the outer surface of the plug includes a third groove having a third surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first surface area to volume ratio is less than the third surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first groove has a larger volume than the third groove, wherein the outer housing seals the top of the third groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the top of the third groove, and wherein the second groove and the third groove are disposed on opposite sides of the first groove.

9. The catheter system according to claim 8, characterized in that, the first groove and the second groove are spaced apart by a capillary effect gap, and the first groove and the third groove are spaced apart by another capillary effect gap.

10. The catheter system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer surface of the plug includes a fourth groove having a fourth surface area to volume ratio and a fifth groove having a fifth surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first surface area to volume ratio is less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio and the fifth surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first groove has a larger volume than the fourth groove and the fifth groove, and wherein the fourth groove and the fifth groove are disposed on opposite sides of the first groove and are disposed outwardly from the second groove and the third groove.

11. The catheter system according to claim 10, wherein, the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove or the fifth groove includes a plurality of cavities that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug and are spaced along the length of the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove or the fifth groove.

12. A catheter system, wherein, the catheter system includes: a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly including: a catheter adapter that includes a lumen extending therethrough; a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter; and a needle assembly coupled to the catheter assembly, the needle assembly including: a plug, wherein the outer surface of the plug includes a first groove having a first surface area to volume ratio, a second groove having a second surface area to volume ratio, and a third groove having a third surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first surface area to volume ratio is less than the second surface area to volume ratio and the third surface area to volume ratio, and wherein the first groove has a larger volume than the second groove and the third groove, an outer housing, wherein the outer housing seals the tops of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove to prevent blood from flowing out of the tops of the first groove and the second groove, and wherein the second groove and the third groove are disposed on opposite sides of the first groove and are symmetric with respect to the first groove; and a guide needle that includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is in fluid communication with the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove.

13. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the depth of the first groove is greater than the depths of the second groove and the third groove.

14. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the proximal end of the first groove is capable of being vented, the proximal end of the second groove is capable of being vented, and the proximal end of the third groove is capable of being vented.

15. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are disposed on the top of the plug.

16. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the plug.

17. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the outer surface of the plug includes a cavity, wherein the proximal end of the guide needle is disposed within the cavity, and wherein the distal ends of the first groove and the second groove are adjacent to the cavity.

18. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the first groove and the second groove are spaced apart by a capillary effect gap, wherein the first groove and the third groove are spaced apart by another capillary effect gap.

19. The catheter system according to claim 12, wherein, the outer surface of the plug includes a fourth groove having a fourth surface area to volume ratio and a fifth groove having a fifth surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first surface area to volume ratio is less than the fourth surface area to volume ratio and the fifth surface area to volume ratio, wherein the first groove has a larger volume than the fourth groove and the fifth groove, wherein the fourth groove and the fifth groove are disposed on opposite sides of the first groove and are disposed outwardly from the second groove and the third groove, and wherein the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, and the fifth groove are symmetric about the first groove.

20. The catheter system according to claim 19, wherein, the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove includes a plurality of cavities that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug and are spaced along the length of the second groove, the third groove, the fourth groove, or the fifth groove.

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